Igniting Sparks, Building Possibilities
Entrepreneur Gary Hong sees opportunities where others see obstacles. From turning a narrow lot into Singapore’s first vertical car-vending machine, to transforming a mall due for demolition into PlayPan, a creative community hub, Gary reframes ADHD as a privilege rather than a setback. Guided by his “omakase mindset,” he embraces chaos as energy, builds spaces that inspire, and sparks movements that prove limits are only starting points.
Quote
“People say ADHD scatters your thoughts. I say it sprays sparks — your job is to catch them before they light the sky.”
“The more people see creativity and resilience instead of chaos, the closer we come to reframing ADHD in society.”
My First Brush with ADHD
Before COVID, a friend who also has ADHD suggested that I might have it too. He pointed out how quickly I speak and how I jump between ideas. Later, I attended an event hosted by Unlocking ADHD, took a test to get a diagnosis, and read a book that helped me realise I’m on the spectrum.
Being older, I’ve learned to moderate and channel the energy I have into creating things. My mind jumps from topic to topic, idea to idea. Instead of resisting it, I’ve turned that restlessness into momentum.
Turning Losses into Wins
I grew up with the mindset of turning losses into wins. That has shaped how I view ADHD: not as a disadvantage, but as a privilege. Yes, it’s a bit chaotic, but that chaos comes with a high-risk appetite and a drive to step out of comfort zones.
If I were too systematic, I’d never dare to try half the things I’ve done. Having ADHD has made me less afraid of failure — to me, setbacks are simply the start of something different.
Challenges That Became Launchpads
My mind is like a Ferrari with bicycle brakes — fast, intense, and sometimes hard to control. But that’s what makes problem-solving exciting for me.
About eight or nine years ago, my brother and I bought a narrow plot of land. Everyone said it was impossible to build a car showroom there. The architect said we had to dig underground. Most saw a nightmare. I saw a challenge. That’s how the vertical car-vending machine was born. It was wild, but it worked.
That mindset led me to dream bigger, like creating a Singapore version of Times Square with LED walls and youth-driven content. That became PlayPan.
Building Landmarks of Possibility
Ten Square was one of my proudest creations — a massive 3D billboard in downtown Singapore. It’s not just for ads; it showcases student films, inclusive art, and youth hackathons. I believe walls aren’t limits, they’re canvases.
Then came PlayPan, a pop-up community space in the old Peace Centre mall. We brought together musicians, bakers, seniors, and kids. It wasn’t architecture. It was choreography of people, all contributing their energy to co-create something new.
GlassDome followed, transforming a quiet atrium in the Central Business District into a hub for social impact. We’ve had bankers teaching coding to kids, and kids teaching mindfulness to bankers. That’s the kind of exchange and energy I live for.
Living with ADHD, and Thriving
ADHD gives me energy. When I have nothing to do, that’s when I feel off. I’ve learned to embrace my restlessness and use it to fuel creativity.
My go-to strategy is what I call the omakase mindset. Just like a chef creates with whatever ingredients are available, I mix whatever tools, experiences, or opportunities I have and make the best of it. This mindset keeps me resourceful and adaptable, no matter how uncertain things get.
Changing Perceptions
My most meaningful achievement isn’t a building; it’s changing how people see ADHD. I’ve built a network of friends and advocates who see us not as disabled, but differently abled.
We don’t need privileges, we need understanding. When you grow positive energy, your aura grows. And when your aura grows, people don’t view you negatively. The more people see creativity and resilience instead of chaos, the closer we come to reframing ADHD in society.
The Road Ahead
I’m still dreaming, sketching, and building. Whether it’s drone-delivered libraries or holographic art, I’m not slowing down. Every landmark I build is just another mile marker, not a finish line.
For me, ADHD is not just part of who I am — it is the spark that keeps me moving forward. The journey continues, and I’m still changing lanes.
Support the ADHD Community
If you’d like to read more stories like these, consider donating $150 or more to receive a copy of our book, Differently Wired Minds as a thank-you. Limited quantities available.
Your donation helps Unlocking ADHD provide counselling, psychoeducation, and other vital support services to those affected by ADHD.
Special thanks to our sponsors whose generous support made this book possible:
MINDSET, Singapore Pools, Chua Foundation, Hyphens Pharma
Leave a Reply